"Correct!!!"
The bald elder nodded confidently.
"If we keep approaching Is directly, he'll eventually get annoyed. And once that happens, he'll only grow more resistant to us."
"But—"
"If we win over the people around him… his 'guards'… and let them slowly influence him, explain the benefits of power…"
"Then won't everything fall into place naturally?"
The other four elders listened, but none reacted too strongly.
"What you're saying sounds simple," one of them said calmly, "but actually doing it won't be easy."
"How can you be sure we can win over the people around him?"
"Hahahaha…"
The bald elder burst into laughter.
"That's the easiest part."
"Not only can we win them over—we could even take them away entirely."
"There's only one reason needed…"
"We can offer them something Is cannot."
"Power."
The room fell silent for a moment.
But still—
no one seemed fully convinced.
"What if… they're not interested in power?"
"Who isn't interested in power?"
"…Is isn't."
"..."
"That kid doesn't count. He's an exception—even among Celestial Dragons."
The sword-wielding elder sighed.
"Even if it's not entirely reliable… it's still worth trying."
"I agree."
"Same here."
"Then let's give it a shot."
"Once he returns, we'll begin. I'll distract Is—"
"the rest will be up to the four of you."
"We'll do our best."
…
If Is were here right now—
he would probably laugh out loud.
Because they had completely misunderstood one thing.
The people around him—
were absolutely loyal.
Not just loyal—
but unconditionally loyal.
No amount of power, status, or temptation could ever sway them.
Even if they were offered the throne of the world—
they wouldn't betray him.
The Five Elders had underestimated them.
Even setting aside the summoned companions—
the maids Is had saved…
From the moment he pulled them out of darkness—
their loyalty had already been decided.
Unbreakable.
Unshakable.
Forever.
…
Meanwhile—
after about half an hour, Is returned to the royal capital with Retsu Unohana and Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
It had taken longer than before.
After all—
he had flown there, but walked back.
And along the way, he explained things the system hadn't—basic details about this world.
"Welcome back, Master!"
As soon as they arrived, Rozu Minian ran over.
But the moment she saw his torn clothes and injuries—
her expression changed instantly.
"M-Master… are you alright?! I'll get medicine right away—"
"No need."
Is stopped her calmly.
"It's just minor injuries."
"But—"
"No 'but'."
He gestured slightly.
"Let me introduce you. This is Unohana Retsu. And this is Yoriichi Tsugikuni."
Rozu Minian nodded and bowed politely.
"Nice to meet you, Lady Unohana, Lord Yoriichi. If you need anything, please feel free to ask me."
Both of them paused briefly—
then nodded.
"Thank you."
"She's Rozu Minian. You can just call her Minian," Is added.
"Understood. Please take care of us, Minian."
"Likewise!"
After that, Is asked,
"Where are the others?"
"Lady Tatsumaki went out with the Queen," Minian replied.
"Lord Madara and Lord Acnologia left with the Marine Vice Admiral. They didn't say where, but told us to contact them if needed."
"I see…"
Is thought for a moment.
"Call them back. Tell them to stop playing around."
"Yes, Master."
Then Is turned slightly.
"Unohana, Yoriichi—make yourselves comfortable. I'm going to clean up and change."
…
Elsewhere—
Madara and Garp's battle was still ongoing.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Each clash sent shockwaves tearing through the surroundings.
"Garp… your taijutsu really gets the blood pumping," Madara said with a grin.
Garp frowned slightly.
He could clearly feel it—
his Armament Haki was stronger.
And yet—
every time, it was somehow leveled out.
"I haven't had this much fun in a long time!"
"You're far more interesting than most pirates!"
He burst into laughter.
But suddenly—
his expression changed.
At the exact same moment—
both he and Madara turned toward the same direction.
A massive black energy sphere—
was flying straight at them.
Their pupils shrank.
Both of them instantly dodged.
BOOM!!!
A massive explosion erupted—
dust and smoke engulfed everything.
And from within the smoke—
came an angry voice:
"ACNOLOGIA!!! Since when does a referee sneak attack?!"
Sitting lazily atop a rock—
Acnologia rested his chin on his hand, legs swinging.
"I called you both several times."
"No response."
"So I helped… a little."
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